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Parish Patron

Holy Cross and St Francis’ Catholic Church Patron and Dedication

The Holy Cross

During the reign of Constantine, first Roman Emperor to profess the Christian faith, his mother Helena went to Israel and there undertook to find the places especially significant to Christians. Having located, close together, what she believed to be the sites of the Crucifixion and of the Burial, she then had built over them the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was dedicated on 14 September 335. It has become a day for recognizing the Cross as a symbol of triumph, as a sign of Christ's victory over death, and a reminder of His promise, "And when I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32)

Feast Day: September 14

St. Francis of Assisi

Born in Italy circa 1181, St. Francis of Assisi was renowned for living life to the full in his youth. After fighting in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, Francis was captured and imprisoned at ransom. He spent nearly a year in prison- awaiting his father's ransom - and, during this time, began receiving visions from God. After his release from prison, Francis heard the voice of Christ, who told him to repair the Christian Church and live a life of poverty.

He abandoned his life of luxury and devoted his life to Christianity, and became known all over the Christian world. Later in life, Francis received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ - marks resembling the wounds Jesus Christ suffered when he was crucified - making Francis the first person to receive the holy wounds of the stigmata. He was canonized as a saint on July 16, 1228. Today, St. Francis of Assisi has had a lasting resonance, with millions of followers across the globe.

Feast Day: October 4th.

Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi

O beloved Saint Francis, gentle and poor, your obedience to God and your simple, deep love for all God’s creatures led you to the heights of heavenly perfection and turned many hearts to follow God’s will. Now, in our day, pray also for us, in our ministry to the many who come here searching for peace and intercede for us as we come before the Lord with our special requests.

[Mention your special intention.]

O blessed Saint of God, from your throne among the hosts of heaven present our petitions before our faithful Lord. May your prayers on our behalf be heard and may God grant us the grace to lead good and faithful lives. Amen.

Saint Francis
Pray for us. Amen.